Rachet type speed wrench

ABSTRACT

An improved open end wrench which is adapted for turning hexagonal head nuts, the wrench being of unitary formation with no moving parts yet having the capability of ratchet-type wrench return between successive power strikes. The wrench consists of a one piece formation of uniform substance having jaw portions which define a recessed wrench surface or configuration of nonsymmetrical character as comprised of a series of juxtaposed arcuate indentations. The co-extensive arcuate recesses about the inner wrench surface are so formed to extend four surfaces into bearing contact with a hexagonal head nut during power stroke, while retaining the capability of unobstructed reverse or return stroke movement about substantially the same axis of revolution.

limited States Patent Evans et al.

l l 3,757,tiM

[ 1 Sept. 11, 1973 l RACHET TYPE SPEED WRENCH [76] Inventors: James P. Evans, 3233 S.W. 23rd St.,

Oklahoma City, Okla. 73108; William R. Ave), .112, 1225 N. Rockwell, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73127 [22] Filed: Nov. 15, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 198,930

[52] 11.8. CI. .Q 81/119 [51] Int. Cl B251) 13/46 [58] Field of Search 81/119 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,671,368 3/1954 -Diebold 8l/l 19 584,591 6/1897 Johnson 81/119 Primary Examiner0thell M. Simpson Assistant Examiner-James G. Smith AttorneyJerry J. Dunlap et al.

[57] ABSTRACT An improved open end wrench which is adapted for turning hexagonal head nuts, the wrench being of unitary formation with no moving parts yet having the capability of ratchet-type wrench return between successive power strikes. The wrench consists of a one piece formation of uniform substance having jaw portions which define a recessed wrench surface or configuration of non-symmetrical character as comprised of a series of juxtaposed arcuate indentations. The c0- extensive arcuate recesses about the inner wrench surface are so formed to extend four surfaces into bearing contact with a hexagonal head nut during power stroke, while retaining the capability of unobstructed reverse or return stroke movement about substantially the same axis of revolution.

6 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures RACHET TYPE SPEED WRENCH CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION The present invention is related to the subject matter of a US. Patent application in the name of the present inventors and entitled Ratchet-Type Speed Wrench" as filed on Sept. 16, 1971, having Ser. No. 181,173.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to open end wrenche for hex nut operation and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, it relates to improvements in unitarily formed open end wrenches having the effective capability of ratchet-type action. I

2. Description of the Prior Art The prior art includes a great many types of wrench design which serve to turn nuts in a way that reduces the applied power required in order to tighten or loosen the nut, and which variations may include still other modifications serving to make the wrench extremely flexible and adaptable relative to the various types and sizes of nuts which may be engaged during use. Still other open end wrench designs have evolved due to the necessity of enabling effective seizure of nuts disposed in' restricted or highly inaccessible locations. There have been numerous proposals and wrench designs made heretofore which provide for open end wrenches SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an improved ratchettype open end wrench for use with hexagonal head nuts. In a more limited aspect, the invention consists of a unitarily formed wrench having a uniquely formed, concave jaw opening which is formed to place four points of contact on a hexagonal head nut through the power stroke, but which includes arcuate recess formations interplaced between the contact points so that the wrench is capable of unobstructed return stroke about substantially the same axis of rotation. The interposed arcuate recesses between contact points are formed of optimum radial configuration so as to enable optimum angular relationship of intersecting contact points thereby to enable maximum strength of materials at the points of contact as well as to enlarge flow spacing wherein spacing and oily grime cannot readily become impacted.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a ratchet-type wrench having no moving parts which is effective to reliably grip and turn hex head nuts through repeated power strokes in faster, more efficient manner.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a ratchet-type open end wrench which is freely movable in reverse-tum direction about essentially the same axis of revolution.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a onepiece speed wrench having minimal contact area through the power stroke but being formed to afford maximum structural strength to said points of contact.

Finally, it is an object of the invention to provide a ratchet-type open end wrench having long life and great reliability through usage.

Other objects and advantages will be evident from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing which illustrates the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a fragmentary side view of one embodiment of the wrench constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing another embodiment of the invention; 4

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 and showing inclusion of an attachment device;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side view of still another form of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side view of yet another form of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side view of another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 depicts still another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 11, a radial action wrench I0 consists of a handle portion or elongated shaft 12 which is formed to carry at the end a generally circularly shaped flat portion or wrench end 14. In accordance with conventional wrench forming practice, suitable wrench heads may be disposed on each end of the elongated shaft 12. The wrench head M may include polished, flat side surfaces 16 (as disposed on each side of wrench head 14), and it is further formed with a seizing jaw 18.

The seizing jaw 18 is formed by an upper jaw portion 20 and a lower jaw portion 22, each of which have their contacting surfaces aligned along the respective arrow lines 24 and 26 directed generally parallel to shaft 12. An inner jaw portion 28 contiguous between the interior portions of upper and lower jaw portions 20 and 22 is then formed by particular further vertical shaping; as will be further described below.

A hexagonal head nut 29 is shown in outline to aid in defining the seizing jaw 18 and proper contacting relationships thereabout. A quadrature mark across the rotational axis of hexagonal head nut 29 indicates a vertical centerline 3t) and a horizontal center line 32. Thus, it can be seen that the leading edge portions of upper jaw portion 20 and lower jaw portion 22, as aligned along arrow lines 24 and 26, are parallel to and slightly larger than the dimension between parallel sides of hexagonal head nut 29, this in order to allow end wise placement of wrench lb in its operative position.

An upper jaw contact point 32 is formed to extend an apex terminating along arrow line 24 as disposed inwardly (i.e., toward inner jaw portion 28) from vertical center line 30 of nut 29. An inner jaw contact point 36 is formed so that it contacts nut 29 a short distance above nut horizontal center line 32, i.e., as nut 29 is contacted when wrench 10 is in the operative or power stroke position. A third or lower contact point 38 is also formed in inner jaw portion 28 to contact nut 29 below the horizontal center line 32, while the fourth contacting point is formed by a lower jaw surface 40 as aligned along arrow 26.

The upper jaw portion 20 includes a short guide surface 42 as aligned along arrow line 24, as well as an acruately shaped upper recess 44 which leads contiguously into upper jaw contact point 34. An upper arcuate recess 46 is then formed contiguously between contact point 34 and 36, while an inner arcuate recess 48 is formed contiguously between contact points 36 and 38. Finally, a bottom arcuate recess 50 is formed between contact point 38 and lower jaw surface 40.

The critical dimensions of wrench l configuration can best be particularly described using relative ratios of the chord and arcuate radii as disposed about the interior of seizing jaw 18. Thus, with the chord segment and arcuate radius of inner recess 46 designated as the unity values, the approximate relative ratios are as follows:

Chord 3436-Unity Arcuate recess 46- Unity Chord 36-38419 mfli rsy f s Arcuate Recess 48- 1.7

Arcuate Recess 500.5

The above relative ratio values are variable within small limits each relative to the others while still maintaining the wrench in operative ratchet-type wrench configuration. The unity chord length value of chord 34-36 may be further values as having approximately a I to 2 ratio relative to the small diameter of hexagonal head nut 29, i.e., the dimension along vertical center line 30.

Further dimensioning values which may be desirable in formation of wrench 10 are the relative angular disposition of contact points relative to seizing jaw 18. Thus, a line segment between contact points 34 and 36 will intersect arrow line 24 at an angle of approximately 140. A line segment between contact points 36 and 38 will then intersect the line segment between contact points 34 and 36 at approximately I", and the line segment subtending arcuate recess 50 will intersect the adjacent chord 36-38 at an angle of approximately I55.

In operation, the angular action wrench 10 is placed in conventional manner about a hexagonal head nut 29 until all of contact points 34, 36 and 38 and contact surface 40 are in engagement with respective sides of the hex head nut 29. Clockwise motion exerted through handle 12, a conventional nut tightening stroke, will provide positive gripping of the nut and a proportional rotational movement. The untightening or counterclockwise rotation may be effected in similar manner by simply turning wrench 10 over prior to the placement of the wrench on the hex head nut.

In the tightening stroke as shown in FIG. 1, positive engagement as shown with each of contact points 34, 36 and 38 and contact surface 40 will provide more than sufficient gripping force for the turning of all forms of hexagonal head nut, i.e., aircraft-type nuts, conventional threads, etc. After a power stroke has been completed, the amount of rotation in accordance with the freedom or number of obstructions around the nut placement, the movement of wrench 10 can be reversed in a ratchet-type action with the confines of the allowed stroke space without losing placement around nut 28. Thus, upper recess 44 allows freedom of initial movement in the counterclockwise reverse stroke, whereupon contact points 34, 36 and 38 as well as contact surface 40 are allowed to slide around respective comers of the hex head nut 29 with but very little displacement from the center point or rotational axis of the nut 28. The amount of radial displacement relative to nut 29 is hardly discernible to the hand in manipulation, and the wrench is easily reversed to a next succeeding gripping position such as shown in FIG. 1.

The arcuate recesses 46, 48 and 50 serve to allow for freedom of movement in the reverse or non-power stroke and, in addition, these recesses are so formed in arcuate configuration that maximum structural strength and rigidity is enabled at the respective contact points 34, 36 and 38. Thus, the arcuate forming of recesses 44, 46, 48 and 50 enables formation of the interposed contact points 34, 36 and 38 at geometrically optimum configuration for enabling greatest strength of material forming such contact points. This becomes of prime consideration in view of the narrow contacting surface of the contact point, and the arcuate construction enables optimum force disposition relative to the contacting point. In addition, some cleaning and freeing action is enabled in those cases where hexagonal head nut 29 might be seated in grit and grimy material.

The dimensions of wrench opening 18 are relatively critical, especially as to the disposition of contact points 34, 36 and 38. Thus, when wrench 10 is in the seated position each of contact points 34, 36 and 38 should contact nut 29 sufficiently inside of the respective nut center line adjacent its point of contact and the respective nut comer next disposed in the direction in which the wrench is turning. As shown in FIG. I, this may vary within narrow limits so long as contact points 34, 36 and 38 do not contact too close to the respective leading corners of hexagonal head nut 29 such that gripping of worn nuts could become less positive and uncertain in effect. The lower contact surface 40 is of continuous contacting form relative to the nut 29 and thereby serves to provide a positive guide action with respect to all gripping contact points.

It should also be understood that the depth and angle of arcuate recesses 44, 46, 48 and 50 may also be varied within relatively narrow limits in order to achieve optimum structural strength of wrench 10 while still maintaining the desirable ratcheting attributes. Also, the arcuate recess 44 may be formed to varying size so long as the structural strength of upper jaw portion 20 and contact point 30 are maintained at acceptable level. The optimum point of contact for each of contact points 34, 36 and 38 is about one-third of the distance from respective leading nut corners to respective trailing nut corners, this dimension being essentially as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 illustrates a variation in wrench structure, a wrench wherein lower jaw portion 62 is formed to include an arcuate recess 64 and supporting outer lip 66 terminating at about the outer limits of hexagonal head nut 29. This configuration results in a slightly enlarged seizing jaw 68 which enables placement of wrench 60 more readily about hexagonal head nut 29. This form of wrench is particularly desirable in dark and hardly accessible positions. The remainder of the contact points 34, 36 and 38 and arcuate recesses 44,

46 and 418 are generally similar to those as disclosed in FIG. l. The lower arcuate recess 64 extends from contact point 39 to contacting surface as and may have a chord segment ratio of approximately l.l between contacting point 38 and surface 66, while the radius of arcuate recess 69 is approximately 1.4 to the previously disclosed unity value.

FIG. 3 illustrates a wrench 70 which is essentially the same ratcheting type of configuration as shown in FIG. 2 except that a lower jaw portion 72 extends to full length in parallel with the upper jaw portion 20. However, wrench 70 includes a retaining tab 74! which is rotatably mounted in the material of inner jaw portion 29 by a suitable press-fit pivot pin 76 or other equivalent fastener. In certain instances brought about by the exigencies of operational situations, it may be desirable to move the retaining tab '74 into the dash-line position '72 by manipulating with the thumb. This then allows ratcheting tightening or untightening of nut 29 with further retainer afforded by the endwise capturing effect of retaining tab 74.

FIG. 4 illustrates a wrench 80 which is particularly adapted for use with softer metal such as aluminum, copper, brass, bronze and the like, as the wrench has no sharp gripping points which would tend to mar or gouge the softer materials. Wrench 90 is characterized by what is termed a double radial construction wherein the contacting points are formed as small radii arcuate projections 82, 9d and 86 operating in conjunction with lower surface 4th of wrench opening 89. The radial or rounded contact points 82, 84 and 36 may each be formed at smaller arcuate radii on the order of a ratio of 0.3 of the unity radius ratio value, as hereinabove set forth.

in addition to the advantages of ratchet-type action and increased structural strength of contact points, the double radial wrench 89 has a further increased advantage in its ability to clean grit and grime from about the position of nut seating; The wrench configuration exhibits an increased ability to remove all grit and grime from about the seating position on the first rotation whereupon further rotations of hexagonal head nut 29 are freed from interference from surrounding compacted materials and the like.

FIG. illustrates yet another wrench design which may be particularly adapted for certain situations. .Wrench 99 is formed in essentially the same manner as the basic wrench it) of FIG. 1 with the exception that the contacting points are formed as short flat contacting surfaces 92, 94 and 96 operating in conjunction with lower surface 40. The arcuate recesses 44, It and 59 are formed in essentially the same manner as set forth with respect to FIG. 2 and the contact points 92, 9d and 96 are formedas short surfaces, having a length in the ratio of 0.2 relative to the unity chord between contacting points 34 and 36 of FIG. l. The contacting surfaces 92, 9d and 96 are each formed to lie at an angular relationship of 120 each to the other, and are therefore essentially parallel to respective adjacent contacting sides of hexagonal head nut 29.

A combination radial-angular wrench 1 is illustrated in FIG. 6, and wrench tilt) combines the optimum structural strength characteristics of arcuate recessing with the self-cleaning attributes of radial indentations. Wrench W0 includes a more accessible seizing jaw 102 as afforded by an upper jaw portion l and a shorter lower jaw portion 196. The upper jaw portion HM includes an arcuate recess H99 which terminates at a contacting point llltl contacting nut 29 on the inner side of vertical center line 39. Formed in juxtaposition to contact point 1 W is an angular recess i112 having its interior wall disposed at a slight angle (5-l0) from the adjacent diagonal side of nut 29, and the interior wall includes a self-cleaning notch lllld which terminates at a contacting point lid. Adjacent contacting point 116 is a lower arcuate recess lid which terminates at contacting point R29 and then extends into angular recess 122 adjoining lower contact surface 124 of lower jaw 1%.

The disposition of contact points 1119, 116 and R20 relatiye to hexagonal head nut 29 are essentially the same as those of the previously described embodiments, FIGS. K through 9. The enlarged seizing jaw 192 enables more ready insertion of wrench It on the hexagonal head nut 29, and the close angular disposition of the interior wall of angular recess 1H2 tends to afford facile reverse stroke movement while notch 1M continues to contribute optimum self-cleaning characteristics. The operation of the wrench W9 is essentially the same as that for the previously described wrenches in that rapid and positive ratcheting action is insured.

FIG. 7 illustrates a wrench 1139 which has the similar operating characteristics to the double radial wrench d0 of FllG. 4; however, wrench 199 is formed with additional non-slip characteristics. Thus, a seizing jaw 132 is formed at a distinct upward angle from the axis of wrench handle E2 by shortening of upper jaw portion 134 and inclusion of an extension formation 1136 contiguous with lower jaw portion R39. A plurality of radial contacting points ll, M2 and l are still utilized to contact nut 29 in essentially the same positions about itsside walls as they coact in operation with lower contact surface 1.

While the embodiment of FIG. 7 illustrates the nonslip extensions as utilized with a double radial wrench including also the arcuate accesses 1 M8 and 1159; it should be understood that the similar seizing jaw defining extensions can be utilized with various of the previously described wrenches of FIGS. 1 through 6. The wrenches may utilize various forms of contacting points and their interstitial arcuate or angular recesses so long as the ratcheting type of return action will be unhampered.

The foregoing discloses a novel speed wrench having ratchet-type action yet which has no moving parts. The wrenches of the present invention present four distinct contact points or surfaces for positive gripping of a hexagonal head nut, as well as the functional and strengthening features as enabled by the wrench jaw configurations. The ratchet-type return stroke is able to take place with minimal efiort and relatively little endwise or radial movement of the wrench head relative to the access of rotation of the hen head nut. Such one-piece speed wrenches have advantages over conventional ratchet wrenches in that it is not necessary to inspect or read a dial indication, test, and/or set a ratchet control lever prior to use of the wrench. A simple half turn or turning over of the wrench will give the manipulator either a tightening or an untightening action utilizing a positive grip as effected by four displaced points or surfaces, while still allowing the unhampered return strolte between successive power strokes. Further, a ratchettype wrench constructed in accordance with the invention is easily inserted or placed on a hex head nut such that wrench tightening or loosening is facilitated in those applications where the nut position is in a dark or remote position not accessible by sight, and possibly only alignable by the sense of touch.

Changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of elements heretofore set forth in the specification and shown in the drawings; it being understood that changes may be made in embodiment disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A ratchet-type speed wrench of the open end type for use with hexagonal head nuts, which has an elongated shaft and a seizing jaw opening defined by upper and lower jaw portions and an inner jaw portion extending therebetween, said wrench comprising:

a first arcuate recess originating proximate the front edge of said upper jaw portion and extending inwardly of said jaw opening to terminate as a first contacting point in abutment against a first side of said hexagonal head nut when in operative position;

a second arcuate recess extending from said first contacting point and terminating at a second contact point which rests in abutment against a second adjacent side of said hexagonal head nut when in operative position;

a third arcuate recess extending from said second contacting point and terminating at a third contact point which rests in abutment against a third side adjacent said second side of the hexagonal head nut when in operative position; and

a fourth arcuate recess extending from said third contacting point and terminating in a planar contacting surface as formed on said lower jaw portion, said planar contacting surface being positioned in abutment with a fourth side adjacent said third side of the hexagonal head nut when said speed wrench is in operative position. 2. A ratchet-type speed wrench as set forth in claim 1 wherein said contact points are fonned as rounded projections each in contact with respective sides of said hexagonal head nut when in the operative position.

3. A ratchet-type speed wrench as set forth in claim 1 wherein said contact points are formed as flat surfaces essentially parallel to and in contact with respective first, second and third sides of said hexagonal head nut when in the operative position.

4. A ratchet-type speed wrench as set forth in claim 1 which is further characterized in that:

said fourth arcuate recess is of generally the same radius as said second arcuate recess. 5. A ratchet-type speed wrench as set forth in claim 4 which is further characterized in that:

said lower jaw portion is shorter than said upper jaw portion to define a larger diagonal seizing jaw opening. 6. A ratchet-type speed wrench as set forth in claim 1 which is further characterized in that:

said upper jaw portion is shorter than said lower jaw portion, and said upper jaw portion terminates to define a relatively smaller first arcuate recess, and said lower jaw portion includes a retaining extension extending at an appreciable angle from said contacting surface thereby to define a seizing jaw opening having an axis at said appreciable angle relative to said elongated shaft. 

1. A ratchet-type speed wrench of the open end type for use with hexagonal head nuts, which has an elongated shaft and a seizing jaw opening defined by upper and lower jaw portions and an inner jaw portion extending therebetween, said wrench comprising: a first arcuate recess originating proximate the front edge of said upper jaw portion and extending inwardly of said jaw opening to terminate as a first contacting point in abutment against a first side of said hexagonal head nut when in operative position; a second arcuate recess extending from said first contacting point and terminating at a second contact point which rests in abutment against a second adjacent side of said hexagonal head nut when in operative position; a third arcuate recess extending from said second contacting point and terminating at a third contact point which rests in abutment against a third side adjacent said second side of the hexagonal head nut when in operative position; and a fourth arcuate recess extending from said third contacting point and terminating in a planar contacting surface as formed on said lower jaw portion, said planar contacting surface being positioned in abutment with a fourth side adjacent said third side of the hexagonal head nut when said speed wrench is in operative position.
 2. A ratchet-type speed wrench as set forth in claim 1 wherein said contact points are formed as rounded projections each in contact with respective sides of said hexagonal head nut when in the operative position.
 3. A ratchet-type speed wrench as set forth in claim 1 wherein said contact points are formed as flat surfaces essentially parallel to and in contact with respective first, second and third sides of said hexagonal head nut when in the operative position.
 4. A ratchet-type speed wrench as set forth in claim 1 which is further characterized in that: said fourth arcuate recess is of generally the same radius as said second arcuate recess.
 5. A ratchet-type speed wrench as set forth in claim 4 which is further characterized in that: said lower jaw portion is shorter than said upper jaw portion to define a larger diagonal seizing jaw opening.
 6. A ratchet-type speed wrench as set forth in claim 1 which is further characterized in that: said upper jaw portion is shorter than said lower jaw portion, and said upper jaw portion terminates to define a relatively smaller first arcuate recess, and said lower jaw portion includes a retaining extension extending at an appreciable angle from said contacting surface thereby to define a seizing jaw opening having an axis at said appreciable angle relative to said elongated shaft. 